How to use bolt cutters

Shop for Bolt Cutters

Step 1 – Oil joints if necessary

Your bolt cutters might be stiff to open – especially if they have been sitting around unused for some time. If so, apply a few drops of a lubricant oil to the hinges to ease them before use.

Step 2 – Check jaw gap is even

If, when the handles of your bolt cutters are closed, there is a significant gap (thicker than a piece of writing paper) between the blades then you will find it difficult to cut through the material fully. Take a few minutes to adjust the blades using the adjustment bolt on the neck of the tool.

For a step by step guide, see: How to adjust the jaws on bolt cutters

Step 3 – Choose cutting point

Look for a clear and unobstructed place to cut, where you can get a good grip on the metal with the jaws. If this is difficult, then you might need to use end cut jaws which allow you to reach into confined spaces.

For more information, see: What are the different types of bolt cutters?

Step 4 – Position material at base of jaws

Move the bolt cutter jaws around the material so that it lies as far down the blades as possible, near to the hinges. This is where there is most cutting force and it also helps to stop whatever is being cut slipping out of the tool’s jaws.

Step 5 – If necessary, brace cutter arm

With unyielding metal, it can be useful to brace one arm of the cutter on the surface you are working on, leaving both of your hands free to press down on the other arm – rather than trying to squeeze the arms together with both hands.

Step 6 – Close blades

Close the blades of the cutter by pushing the handles together. Use a slow, steady action so that the material being cut does not slip out as the tool bites. Resist the temptation to twist and turn the tool to hasten the cutting, as this could damage the blades.

Step 7 – Apply pressure

Forcefully press the bolt cutter handles together, gradually increasing the blade pressure on the cutting spot until it yields. If the material is relatively soft, it will probably give quickly. If it is hard, then you will perhaps just make a notch initially and the final cut will only come after repeated applications of force on the handles.